Plato
Plato
Platowas a philosopher in Classical Greece and the founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. He is widely considered the most pivotal figure in the development of philosophy, especially the Western tradition. Unlike nearly all of his philosophical contemporaries, Plato's entire œuvre is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
wise plato men
The punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the government, is to live under the government of worse men.
beauty being-beautiful simplicity
Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on Simplicity.
order lust sloth
Lust is inseparably accompanied with the troubling of all order, with impudence, unseemliness, sloth, and dissoluteness.
math numbers degrees
Numbers are the highest degree of knowledge. It is knowledge itself.
lying philosophical liberty
Excess of liberty, whether it lies in state or individuals, seems only to pass into excess of slavery.
philosophical ifs
If particulars are to have meaning, there must be universals.
soul musical way
Education in music is most sovereign because more than anything else rhythm and harmony find their way to the innermost soul and take strongest hold upon it
inspirational philosophy feelings
Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
philosophical eye soul
The eyes of the soul of the multitudes are unable to endure the vision of the divine.
worth-living self-discovery
The life which is not examined is not worth living.
plato cities physicians
In politics we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a city or a state. When we are ill... we do not ask for the handsomest physician, or the most eloquent one.
opportunity government law
... the community suffers nothing very terrible if its cobblers are bad and become degenerate and pretentious; but if the Guardians of its laws and constitution, who alone have the opportunity to bring it good government and prosperity, become a mere sham, then clearly it is completely ruined.
leadership taken new-beginnings
The beginning is the most important part of any work, especially in the case of a young and tender thing; for that is the time at which the character is being formed and the desired impression is more readily taken.
men perfect soul
The soul of him who has education is whole and perfect and escapes the worst disease, but, if a man's education be neglected, he walks lamely through life and returns good for nothing to the world below.